Finally a xmas tree....

Our Christmas tree shopping was a wee bit late this year due to many social engagements - but it was fun none the less. Kylie had asked us SO many times - "Can we get a xmas tree for our house?" The weather warmed up and we made our way up to the tree lot by Big Lots where we've gone every year since Jeff and I got married. Although, I think they raised their prices this year - or we just got a bigger tree.... :)

You can click on the picture to see it better.

Gingerbread Houses with the Loomis'

We've often said that we are sooooo lucky to have such wonderful neighbors - and this particular tradition makes me feel especially lucky. I will admit I'm not the most "domestic" when it comes to arts/crafts, baking, and other fun kid activities. BUT, the Loomis family (right across the street) just happen to be the most awesomest Gingerbread House makers in all the land! AND for the third year now, we have been included in this wonderful family tradition that they have enjoyed forever. They make everything from scratch, including the frosting, and they have tons of fun candies and treats to decorate with.

Last year Kylie's house crumbled beneath the pressure of Mommy trying to stick a red licorice stick to the top. Cole was able to fix it, but Kylie was so traumatized by the event, she even asked this year if her house was going to collapse again. :( There are so many little things that she remembers - it's pretty amazing.

Sweet Danny Boy. Kylie talks about him ALL the time. I think it's a crush...

Jack was plugging his ears for a while - telling us many, many times to "Make the dog stop barking." Eventually he gave up and joined in the fun.

Of course, we all wanted to plug our ears for a while. Poor Jake wanted to touch everything, grab everything and DESTROY everything. Daddy tried to contain him for a while, but ended up taking him home for his nap.

Trevor, Rhi-Rhi, Lorraine and Cole - the Gingerbread House Masters!

The Kikster and Kylie had some cuddle time on the chair.

The whole gang!

As you can see, Kylie's house made it through the decorating process without being destroyed. I made sure not to touch it! ;)

THANK YOU to the Loomis Family for having us. It is something we look forward to (and are already looking forward to next year!).

Tequila!!!!

I'll keep this short and sweet.....

I got to have three whole days by myself (with three of my oldest and dearest girlfriends) in a beautiful place. Thank you to my AWESOME husband for letting me go.

This was the view from our room:

This was the view of us the first night...... :)

Love and miss you guys!

Daddy's Birthday

The token spice cake, the birthday song, and a big squeeze from his number one gal! Wait, am I supposed to be his number one gal?

The big THREE-SEVEN for Daddy! Can't wait to celebrate MANY, MANY more!

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be grateful for, but most of all our family & friends. Personally, coming from a VERY small family, I feel so lucky to have Jeff's family close by and some of my dearest friends living right in my neighborhood. Since Laurie & Scott were out of town, we spent Thanksgiving with the Dekel's and the Elko's - and it was a marvelous time! Maybe a little too marvelous according to my husband, who was a bit annoyed with me for imbibing too much wine before dinner..... Not sure how that happened??? Here's our attempt at a family photo (thanks to Chris)!

I don't know what I will do when Kylie stops giving me big, huge hugs.

Click on this picture to get a better look. Jake's first Thanksgiving dinner - and it was probably the first time we let him completely eat a meal on his own. Doesn't he just look like the happiest guy on the planet?? I think I need to buy Cynthia a new chair because he totally destroyed it with the sweet potatoes.... :(

And this is how Jake felt about going night-night while the party was still happening!

It really was an awesome time. Kiki even made little place cards for each of the kids - so sweet. Thank goodness for great friends!

Family Portrait Session

Just wanted to share some fav's from our family portrait session back in September. My friend (and fellow photog) Christy Hall took these for us and I did some family shots for her as well. Since it's the busy season for both of us, we took our time in getting them edited, etc.

We went with an "urban" style session - rather than the traditional park setting. FUN!

Santa Claus is coming to town.....

.....and he always comes to the Shoppe of Vinings on the second Saturday of November! Mommy is there to take pictures of Santa with all of the little girls and boys.

This was Jake's first visit - and he was a little skeptical, but no tears...

This was Kylie's third picture with Santa. She refused to sit with Santa last year, but this year she told him exactly what she wanted for Christmas: A Cinderella dress and a monster toy. That's it - plain and simple.

Can he really be that big??? He just doesn't look like a 9.5 month old to me.

Nana and Aunt Laurie came for the big day too!